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Bucharest – a spirited, vibrant & contrasting, old 'little paris'.

Bucharest is a city which has been through many transitions despite being relatively young in terms of European, Balkan & Middle Eastern cities. Once the residence of the infamous Vlad the Impaler, today Bucharest's cityscape is one of contrast where somewhat gaudy buildings from its recent past, like the huge Palatul Parlamentului government building of the communist-era, stand juxtaposed to a modern, cosmopolitan city embracing capitalism & developing as a burgeoning destination for visitors seeking a tactile experience, vibrant culture, remarkable history & heritage, fantastic museums, impressive architecture, incredible nightlife, trendy social scene and an under-stated elegance & charm. Join a walking tour of Bucharest recommended by freetour.com to visit key sights including Revolution Square, Victory Boulevard, Stavropoleos Convent, 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace, the charming Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church and much more while getting a real understanding of life in Bucharest, tips on local nightlife in the centre Lipscani district, hints for shopping in Calea Victoriei as well as advice on local cusine & local hotspots from your friendly free tour guide. Bucharest is a an energetic place with a bright, forward thinking people shaping a happy future for their city and should definitely be on your city-trip list for a very rewarding, enjoyable experience.

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Unique Tours with local guides in Bucharest

5 star rating on Tripadvisor, for over 6 years.

Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania, offers a captivating blend of Eastern and Western influences. With its eclectic architecture and  rich culture, the city is a seamless fusion of medieval relics, centuries-old Orthodox churches, and grandiose Belle Époque buildings, with a touch of the dark era of communism.

Free Tours in Bucharest

Communism in Bucharest Free Tour

• Starting Time: 17:00 (5 p.m.)
• Duration: ± 2.5 hours
• Language: English, Spanish

Old Town & The Parliament Free Tour

• Starting Time: 10:00 (10 a.m.)
• Duration: ± 3 hours
• Language: English, Spanish, Italian

Premium Tours in Bucharest

Dinner inside the Museum of Communism after Closing Time

• Starting Time: 18:30 (6:30 p.m.)
• Duration: 2.5 hours

Stories and Flavors of Communism + Museum of Communism

• Starting Time: 10:00 (10 p.m.)

Jewish Neighborhood in Bucharest + Jewish Museum

• Starting Time: ?? (?? a.m.)

Coffee & Sweets Tour on the Amazing Victory Avenue

Ghost & Vampires Bucharest Night Tour

• Starting Time: 20:00 (8 p.m.)

It all began on a Sunday during family lunch. After a hearty  meal and a glass of wine, a twist of fate led our parents to share stories of old Bucharest—their daily lives, cultural events, and urban myths. We were struck by how little we knew about our city, and in that moment, we decided to delve deeper.

Another twist of fate ignited our passion. Every day, we found ourselves talking to elderly locals, verifying stories, diving into archives, and uncovering fascinating details about Bucharest’s architectural and historical treasures. Years of dedicated research unearthed countless forgotten stories, sparking a new idea: to offer tourists unique tours. Since 2018, we offer premium & tip-based tours, rich with personal memories and emotions, revealing hidden gems and untold tales. As our passion grew, so did our team, bringing together like-minded enthusiasts equally dedicated to uncovering Bucharest’s secrets.

With passion and experience, we crafted unforgettable tours, categorized them by themes, and opened them to the world. We guide visitors to fascinating sites, taking them beyond the usual tourist spots. Incredible, right? 

But call it fate. And call it fate that you’re here.

Museum of Communism in the Old Town of Bucharest

The Museum of Communism in Bucharest offers a deep dive  into the history and daily life of Romanians during the communist regime.  

With interactive exhibits and meticulously curated information & personal stories, translated into English and Spanish, the museum provides a firsthand journey into the past. 

Discover how people lived, worked, and spent their leisure time, gaining insight into their worries and thoughts.

Step into the meticulously recreated living room and kitchen that evoke vivid communist aesthetics. Here, you can try on vintage clothing, handle historical artifacts, and even taste authentic communist-era beverages served in 1970s and 1980s glassware. 

This immersive experience promises to satisfy your curiosity about Romania’s communist past, making it a memorable highlight of your trip to Romania.

• +40 790 840 454/ +40 748 150 003
• [email protected]
• Old Town of Bucharest, 6 Covaci St. (map)

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It all started on a Sunday, at a family lunch, when, after a good meal and a glass of wine, our parents accidentally, but call it fate, told us stories from old #Bucharest, about their daily lives, cultural events, and urban myths. 

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• 6 Covaci Street, Old Town of Bucharest
(entrance from Soarelui Street, red door)

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• 0790 840 454
• 0735 636 059
• 0742 869 575
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• Two Castles in One Day Tour – 12 hours
• Bucharest City Tour by Night – 1.5 hours
• Bucharest City Tour & Wine Tasting – 2.5 hours
• Bucharest Evening Tour & Traditional Dinner – 3 hours
• Unhealthy Food Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours
• Half-Day Tour of Bucharest – 4 hours
• The Last Days of Communism Tour – 4 hours
• Mogosoaia Palace & Snagov Monastery Tour – 5 hours
• Wines of Wallachia Tasting Tour – 8 hours
• One Day Tour from Bucharest to Constanta – 10 hours
• The Real Dracula Tour – 11 hours
• Experience Bulgaria Tour – 11 hours
• Transylvania Break Tour – 2 days
• Danube Delta Tour – 2 days
• Transfagarasan & Medieval City of Sibiu Tour – 2 days
• Medieval Transylvania Tour – 3 days
• Private Half-Day City Tour of Bucharest – 5 hours
• Private Full-Day Sightseeing Tour of Bucharest – 8 hours
• Slanic Salt Mine & Wine Tasting Tour – 8 hours
• Peles Royal Castle & Wine Tasting Tour – 9 hours
• In the Footsteps of Dracula Tour – 11 hours
• Private Trip to Peles Castle & Bran Dracula Castle – 12 hours
• One Day Tour to Bulgaria – 11 hours
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• Romanian UNESCO Heritage Tour – 4 days
• Magic Transylvania Tour – 4 days
• Transylvanian Medieval Castles & Fortified Churches Tour – 4 days
• Maramures, Bucovina & Danube Delta Tour – 5 days
• Transylvania – 12 tours
• Bucharest – 9 tours
• Muntenia Wallachia – 8 tours
• Danube Delta – 3 tours
• Bucovina – 3 tours
• Bulgaria – 2 tours
• Maramures – 1 tour
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72 Hours tour in Bucharest – Self-Guided Walking Itineraries

Is bucharest a walkable city.

Sure it is! And this article will help you optimize your time, plan your trip to Bucharest so you don’t miss out on any of the highlights of this exciting city. Our 72 hours tour will take you to the most important landmarks in Bucharest and its most beautiful places.

Be guided through a sightseeing tour of Bucharest, taste local food, and experience neighborhood life in Cotroceni. With our 72-hour itinerary , you won’t miss out on any top sights during your first visit to Bucharest . Bucharest has a lot to offer and it is a perfect place if you are a city traveler, architecture, or nature lover.

Check also our Bucharest Tours .

Let’s dive into the most important places you should check if you are in the city for a weekend.

Day 1 Self-guided walking tour in Bucharest

1. the downtown area and the northern part of bucharest.

• Calea Victoriei
• Cismigiu Garden
• National Theater
• Revolution Square
• Romanian Atheneum

If you are a coffee lover such as myself, I recommend you start your trip with a specialty coffee . Now, depending on your starting point I would suggest some coffee places. If you will start your walking tour from Izvor, I would recommend you to start from Origo , voted by locals as the best place in terms of specialty coffee.

After grabbing your coffee, your journey will start with Calea Victoriei . Being one of Bucharest’s oldest streets, here, you can find the most beautiful architectural monuments in Bucharest. 

From Origo, walk along until the monumental CEC building , which for many locals, is the most iconic building in Bucharest . I have to mention that you can take amazing shots with the building, it is also listed on the most Instagrammable spots in Bucharest .

Next to the CEC building, on the left side, you can spot the National History Museum . Here you can find an astounding collection belonging to the Romanian Royal Family. You can admire some of their finest jewels, even the crowns of King Carol I and the beloved Queen Mary .

Moreover, here you can admire a scale copy of Trajan’s Column . The original one is, of course, in Rome. The column is adorned with beautiful relieves which depict in more than 100 scenes two important wars between the Dacians and the Romans. These wars led to the conquest of Dacia and its transformation into a Roman province. 

Moving further on Calea Victoriei, one can see some majestic buildings such as the National Military Palace or Casa Capsa . The latter used to be one of the most bohemian pastries of the glorious past. It was the place where the famous writers came to enjoy a sip of coffee and write, politicians and foreign royal guests had their meetings and it says that it was a custom of the Romanian aristocrats to come and have a delicious dessert after going to the theater. Yes, this building still preserves an aristocratic vibe. Nowadays it is home to the Casa Capsa hotel.

From this point, you have two options: – on your left side, you can carry on for a pleasant walk to Cismigiu Gardens , the oldest park in Bucharest. – on your right side, you will spot the University Square and Bucharest’s National Theater , gorgeous both inside and outside.

Tickets are available online here https://www.tnb.ro/en/online-tickets or can be bought directly from there.

Moving along Calea Victoriei , you will head to the Revolution Square and The Romanian Athenaeum area . 

The Revolution Square boasts an interesting and controversial monument: the Memorial of Rebirth , in the shape of a white obelisk. This monument reminds the passers about the violent events from December 1989 which put an end to the communist dictatorship in Romania.

On the left side of this square, you will find the statue of King Carol 1st , the first king of Romania, who fought against the Turks and gained Romania’s independence. Many victories and improvements have been made during his reign and he was a very respected king by the Romanian people.

The most iconic building in Bucharest, in my opinion, is the Romanian Athenaeum , the concert hall of Bucharest. It is home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and it has become a symbol of Romanian art and culture. 

You will be amazed by the incredible fresco circled around the auditorium that illustrates the history of Romania from Roman times until the Great Unification of Romania in 1918. The best way to visit it would be by attending a concert but if you have a limited time, a tour inside would be great as well.

Where to eat in this area?

When I am thinking about the Romanian Atheneum area, 2 options of sweet treats are coming into my mind, definitely worth tasting. The first one is the delicious eclair from the French Revolution , which is next to the Romanian Athenaeum, on the left side.

The second place that will delight your taste is Sweetology , they have one of the best Ice Cream in town. 

You can find here the map with the first part of our itinerary.

Once you grab your ice cream, your day just becomes better and you can move further.

2. Romana Square – Arthur Verona Street – Ioanid and Gradina Icoanei Park – Dorobanti Neighborhood

Things to see.

• Romana Square
• Arthur Verona Street
• Ioanid and Gradina Icoanei Park
• Polona Street

Your next destination will be Arthur Verona street . Here the walls are filled with brightly colored graffiti, flower designs, comic snippets, realistic figures, and even cartoon-like characters.

It’s definitely the place to be if you’re looking to get creative and take some amazing pictures with unique murals. 

After the photo session, your way goes through 2 small, quiet, and refreshing parks where you can rest your legs in nature and prepare for the second part of the day, Gradina Icoanei Park and Ioanid Park .

Going out of Ioanid Park you can take a walk on Polona Street . You will be amazed by the architecture of the houses , it is a pleasure to walk on this street and take some Instagrammable shots. Nearly every building in this area is absolutely exquisite. You could literally go building by building and admire each one’s unique decorative sign .

Where to have lunch?

Now it is time to have lunch, after all this walking you have earned your lunch! 

I would make two recommendations for restaurants in the area which I think you will enjoy but of course, there are many, many options from where you can choose.

Frudisiac and Pio Bistro, both of them manage to provide a chill vibe and cozy atmosphere while having a healthy and delicious meal . They are extremely famous for their American pancakes which are seriously amazing. If you really deserve a second breakfast instead of lunch.

Check their menu first, it will be much easier to choose.

3. Herastrau Park – Village Museum – The Arch of Triumph

• Herastrau Lake
• Village Museum
• The Arch of Triumph
• Free Press Square

In the afternoon, carry on with the second part of your self-guided walking tour. 

We are now in the Dorobanti neighborhood, from where you can take a bus to our next destination, the Northern Part of Bucharest , The Village Museum is the station where you will hop off. (Bus 131 | 331 | 331)

Arriving in the Northern Part of Bucharest, there are a lot of things to do and see. A shortlist would be Herastrau Park, Village Museum, The Arch of Triumph, and The Free Press Square.  

Besides these, you can find a lot of restaurants on the shore of Herastrau lake, you can enjoy a boat ride or you can just walk and connect with nature. The most famous restaurants in Herastrau Park are Beraria H , Hard Rock Cafe , and Pescarus .

If you choose to explore the area more and not remain in the park, I have 2 great restaurants to recommend to you. 

One is on the 18th floor of City Gate Towers, popular among locals as the Twin Towers of Bucharest. The name of the restaurant is 18 Lounge , a fine dining restaurant that offers you dinner with a view. This restaurant is next to Free Press Square , an impressive landmark not to be missed. You can find it here on the map.

The second would be Casa Doina , this restaurant was built in the neo-Romanian style by our national architect Ion Minulescu.

At first, this building was supposed to be used as a pavilion for grand exhibitions from Paris but later they transformed it into a great Romanian restaurant frequented by famous politicians, artists, and poets. Here you can enjoy a delicious traditional meal, prepare to be amazed! 

PS: for both places you need to make a reservation in advance, these places are pretty busy.

Another sight not to be missed in Bucharest is definitely the Village Museum , the second most visited museum in Bucharest after the Palace of Parliament.

This is an open-air museum, next to Herastrau Park , that hosts more than 30 traditional houses representing each region of the country. This museum is very unique and has a lot to offer, needless to say, that you can experience rural Romania in the heart of its capital.

Learn more about the story of the Village Museum here .

It is a unique pleasure to visit this traditional “village” and discover the Romanian countryside life. One very important thing to mention is that you can find here the most special gifts and souvenirs to buy for you and your loved ones. For ideas check this article, 10 Best Romanian Souvenirs you should buy from Bucharest.

There you go folks, these are some of the things that you should visit in the Northern part of the city. Moreover, my colleague Boogie has made a video in the area so you can have an idea of what it is like. Check this out!

Here you have the map with the itinerary.

Now that you visited the Northern part of Bucharest, for those who don’t want to spend the evening in this area, let’s go back to the city center. 

This is the beauty of this city, there are so many options to have a walk, have a great meal, enjoy a good glass of wine, or experience the restless nightlife.

Bucharest is well-known for its clubs and rooftops where you can admire the city from above and experience a legendary party.  You have again, many, many options, a few of them would be Nomad, Linea, PuraVida, Deschis GastroBar, SkyBar Dorobanți, Silk Panoramic, or Upstairs Rooftop.

Day 2 – Day trip from Bucharest to Peles & Bran Castles

Highlights of the tour.

• Peles Castle
• Bran Castle also is known as Dracula’s Castle
• Brasov medieval city of Transylvania

For the second day in Romania, I would recommend you to take a full day out of the city, a day trip to explore 2 of the most beautiful castles in Romania and the medieval city of Brasov. 

We are lucky to have such amazing places to show to our tourists and these 2 castles and the medieval city of Brasov , are some of those places you must visit when you come to Romania and can be explored in just one day trip from Bucharest.

This tour starts at 08:00 am, from the gorgeous Romanian Athenaeum . From here you will head to Transylvania and the first visit will be Peles Castle. 

Along the way, you enjoy a panoramic view of Bucharest and learn the story from your local expert, the tour guide.

As I said before, the first visit will be Peles Castle which is the former s ummer residence of the Romanian Royal family. Peles Castle is the most visited castle in Romania and is considered the most beautiful one. The complete story of the Royal Castle can be read here ! There you will have a guided tour of the ground floor , for about 45 minutes and also free time to explore it from outside, you will find a beautiful garden, don’t forget to bring your camera. Speaking of this, inside the castle there is a photo tax of around 7 Euros to be paid. The interior of the castle is amazing and most of the people told us it was really worth it so it is up to you if you choose to pay the fee for it but no worries, outside you, can take as many photos as you want.

Leaving Peles Castle behind, you will head to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle due to the famous novel of Bram Stoker, Dracula . He was inspired by the cruel Romanian Prince Vlad Tepes, who used to impale his enemies so they called him Vlad the Impaler.

Here you can find out all you need to know about Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) .

Bran village is in the mountain area, a small settlement with so many wonders.

Besides visiting the castle for about 45 minutes I must say that along the way you have the opportunity to explore the Romanian countryside and get to see the real beauty of Transylvania. You will be passing through rural villages , admire medieval fortresses , and well-preserved fortified churches during this day.

Now it is time for lunch . There are many restaurants where you can taste great traditional food. Don’t forget to try also the traditional palinka, in order to have a typical Transilvanian experience !

Learn more about Romanian traditional food and Desserts .

The next destination is Brasov, a former Saxon medieval town where the German architecture is still well preserved. Here you will enjoy a guided walking tour of the most important spots in Brasov, which are: The Catherine’s Gates, Rope Street (among the narrowest streets in Europe), the Black Church (a masterpiece of Transylvania’s Gothic architecture), and the Council Square.

After the guided walking tour you will have some free time to stroll around the cobbled streets and admire the great architecture of Brasov.

In the end, we will head back to Bucharest. The way back lasts around 3-4 hours depending on the traffic and the tour ends at the same point, in front of the Romanian Athenaeum.

More information about Transylvania you can find here !

You can book your trip here or contact us for more information at [email protected] or +40 735 525 710 .

PS: By booking this tour you will receive a bunch of discount codes at some museums, restaurants, and souvenir shops in Bucharest.

Day 3 Old Town – Palace of the Parliament – Cotroceni Neighborhood

After running around to see all these things on Day 2 and Day 3, today you will need a chill day.  Let’s get started in the magnificent old town of Bucharest . Besides strolling around the cobblestone streets of the old town, there are a few things you would like to see.

1. Carturesti Carousel BookStore

I would start by taking a coffee from Emozia Coffee Manifesto , one of the best in town, and moving forward to Carturesti Carousel . Named “The Carousel of Light” this place is a magical bookstore, hosted in a monumental edifice transformed into a wonderful architectural jewel. The interior has 6 floors and on the top floor, you’ll discover a bistro where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea while deciding which will be your next book. Even though you would not buy a book, you have to check this place out as great shots can be taken in there. At the end of this visit, don’t forget to check out the National Bank with its little square in front of the building.

2. Stavropoleos Monastery

The next sight to be visited is Stavropoleos Monastery . This old monastery built in 1724, witnessed and survived the communism period. Placed right in the heart of the old town, the interior is a little garden where you can find peace and quiet and the building itself is amazingly gorgeous.

3. Palace of Parliament

Head on to the marvelous masterpiece of Nicolae Ceausescu , the Romanian communist dictator. On Day 1 you visited his home at Casa Ceausescu and today it is time to visit his office.

The Palace of Parliament is the second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon and the heaviest in the world. Actually, this building is listed along with the buildings made by a man that can be seen from the Moon. 

You should know that the attraction is open for visits daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 am – the last tour admission is at 3:30 pm. A reservation has to be made within 24 hours before, give them a call at +40 733 558 102.

If you don’t want to bother with all that, you can always just book a tour. Well, you’ll be happy to know this attraction is part of our popular “Last Days of Communism” tour . It’s only 4 hours long, and it will teach you everything you need to know about the Communist rule in Romania before 1989.

In front of the building, you can find the Constitution square , from where you can have great shots with the grandiose Palace of Parliament. Depending on the time you are visiting, you may find stalls with Romanian delights and souvenirs and also this is the place where the Christmas Market is held. 

From the Constitution Square until Alba Iulia Square is Unirii Boulevard formerly named the Socialist Victory during the communist time. Nicolae Ceausescu was inspired by his visit to China and North Korea and he wanted to create the equivalent of the Champs Elysee of Socialism . 

Along this boulevard, there are 44 fountains. The interesting thing is that during the weekends, at 21:00 pm from May until October, a Multimedia show called “The water symphony” is taking place at Unirii Square.

4. Cotroceni, the coolest neighborhood in Bucharest

Cotroceni is the coolest and known as the most romantic neighborhood in Bucharest. For architecture lovers , this is the place where you can be amazed, you can spend literally hours taking house by house and walking along those beautiful alleys.

• Cotroceni Palace
• Botanic Garden
• Romniceanu Park
• Carol I National Defence University

Cotroceni Palace used to be the residence of the second Royal couple of Romania, King Ferdinand and Queen Marie. Even though it is not the most popular in Bucharest, we strongly believe that it is the most beautiful one, it is a place where the art and culture are well preserved. The new wing of the building is housing the Romanian presidential family. You can visit the museum from Tuesday to Sunday starting from 10:00 until 16:00. More info about the palace and the museum can be found on the official website here .

Also here you can take a walk in Romniceanu Park , a small and bohemian park, on the Cotroceni Hill. Next to the park, you can find the marvelous collared stairs , very popular among locals and a good place to take pictures.

Nearby, don’t miss Infinitea , where you can sip a great cup of tea in their beautiful garden.

You can find  h ere  the map with the itinerary proposed.

Last but not least, I would recommend you to have dinner at one of the most iconic restaurants in Bucharest, Caru cu Bere . The interior is gorgeous, you will be thrilled to see the painted walls. They serve Romanian traditional food and sometimes they have folkloric bands and you can listen to traditional Romanian music or watch folkloric dances.

A reservation in advance is really necessary, being so famous, almost every day they have a full house. 

Don’t forget if you book a tour with TravelMaker you will receive discounts from famous restaurants and museums in Bucharest including Caru cu Bere or you can also book our Bucharest Evening Tour and Traditional Dinner .

There you go guys, here you have some ideas on how to make the most of your time while traveling to Bucharest for just 72 hours . We have many, many other interesting ideas on how to enjoy your time in this beautiful city and we would love to share them with you.

Suggested tours with TravelMaker

• Half-Day Bucharest Sightseeing Tour – 4 hours
• Full-Day Bucharest Sightseeing Tour – 8 hours
• Two Castles in One Day – Day trip to Dracula’s Castle

So, if you need further information or you need help, just drop us a line and we will take care of every single detail of your trip! You can contact us at [email protected] or give us a call at +40 735 525 710 .

All the best from Bucharest!

Why Book With Us?

• Small-groups always
• Certificate of Excellence
• Fun & Friendly local guides
• Customer care available 24/7
• 15+ years experience

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Essential Walking Tour of Bucharest: Old Town & Revolution Square

What you need to know about the Essential Guided Tour of Bucharest

• This is a walking tour in the main areas of Bucharest's city centre, child-friendly. Duration 3-4 hours and 3.5 km of walking
• Major sights included: Revolution Square, Romanian Atheneum, Villacrosse Passage, Old Town area, Manuc Inn, Old Princely Court & many others
• See Carturesti Carusel, the most beautiful bookstore in a restored palace. Learn about the city’s impressive architecture & landmarks
• You will also try the most popular street snack in Romania - covrigi! (included)

Additional information

The tour includes: a Romanian street snack, guidance, We will make pit stops for refreshments. As we will be walking a bit, please wear comfortable shoes. Also consider wearing sunscreen if you need it. Starting time and location will be sent to you after your booking is confirmed. Full payment required when booking. To get a refund you need to cancel 3 days before the tour date.

Moments to expect in the Walking Tour of Bucharest

Romanian monarchy & communist revolution.

Revolution Square, formerly known as Palace Square, is the political center of the city and has witnessed many important events in Romanian history. Here dictator Nicolae Ceausescu made his last, ill-advised speech to a crowd that turned on him, starting the Romanian revolution of 1989. All over the square, there are major landmarks including some that were at the heart of Western espionage and intrigue interwar years.

Victory Avenue & French vibe

Leaving the square we'll continue on Victory Avenue - and I'll tell you about its name. It's also the city's main boulevard, shopping avenue and part of the reason for Bucharest's 'Little Paris' nickname. Some famous landmarks from the inter-war period we'll see here are the 'Telephone Palace', Military Circle, former National Theatre and Kretulescu church, one of the most famous in Bucharest.

The secrets of Old Town

Time to learn about one of the oldest - and most popular - parts of Bucharest: Old Town. This is where Ottoman Pashas rubbed shoulders with Transylvanian Princes and where the city's mosaic of cultures, religions and historic influences can be seen. Mosques, merchants, inns, restaurants, churches - all here. Major sights in the area include the National Bank, Stavropoleos Church, Caru' cu Bere.

Romania's most legendary figures

The Old Princely Court was the former residence of Wallachian rulers, including for Vlad Tepes (aka Dracula) whose statue is somewhere in these parts. We'll finish the tour at Manuc's Inn, the most popular stop for everyone in Bucharest's history.

Cancelation & refund policy

Sends us or the guide an email 24h before the tour informing us you can't make it and you'll get a full refund of your payment, no questions asked.

Location details

• Starting point: Bucharest
• Nearest airport: Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport
• Nearest train station: Bucharest North Railway Station
• Landscape: Urban, cobbled streets

Reviews from travellers

Our guide Elena was friendly, relaxed and most informative about everything that she showed us. The tour moved on at a perfect pace and we saw the most significant sites in Bucharest. On the walk Elena bought us some Romanian pretzels and chocolate and would have provided a drink as well but we had already brought water. Full marks to Elena for an enjoyable tour and answering all our questions.

The tour was great! The guide was informative and I learned so much more than I already knew. She was able to answer my questions and give me advice on restaurants, getting back to the airport, and food. I learned so much about the history of Romania and its people.

The Essential Walking Tour of Bucharest was a really delightful and interesting introduction to the city; long enough to cover some ground but not too overwhelming or tiring! My guide was knowledgeable, flexible, and excellent company for three hours or so. I learned a lot about the history of the city and Romania itself. Definitely a great way to start my week in the country.

Romanian friend were very helpful with helping me plan my trip. They have a lot of information on their website and I was able to email them directly with any questions. We had a great tour and it was a great way to get our bearings, see the sites and learn about Buchaest. Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful and gave us lots of information. She went out of her way to make sure we had a great time.

Our tour was great! We had a fantastic guide, very engaged, and we had a lovely stroll through the city while getting a history lesson, and hearing accounts of what it was like to live in Bucharest during different time periods. The tour felt personal, and I never felt rushed. I can absolutely recommend it to anyone, and a perfect way to get to know Bucharest.

interesting and fun tour with a great local guide native of Bucharest. not your usual touristy experience. highly recommend!

Alexandru was a great guide! We enjoyed his enthusiasm, and especially the knowledge and perspective he brought to the tour of the city from his architecture background. We would highly recommend him and the walking tour.

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Bucharest's greatest tour.

We are While in Bucharest, a group of certified tourism guides living in Bucharest, with a deep love for our beautiful city and its stories. We like sharing these stories, and we like to see how happy people are, when they discover this beautiful, complicated and interesting city.

• No minimum number of attendees No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
• Free booking and cancellation Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Although this is a general tour, and you`ll see the same old beautiful buildings that everyone else are showing in guided tours, we try to make things differently. We do not focus on years, people, architects, styles... because we know that, by the end of the tour, most travelers won`t remember those. We try to tell you the story of Bucharest.  How the city appeared when Dracula made a palace here. How oriental it looked, with its Greek and Turkish influences. How the old town became a merchant`s place, and how the old inns and and monasteries were replaced by the beautiful French architecture of the late 1800s and first half of the 1900s. How the communists wanted to destroy the old beautiful buildings of the past. This is what you`ll remember, the general lines in which this city developed and got to be as it is today. Our guides put a lot of effort into making this tour as great as it is. The recommended tip for their effort is 20 euros/person. The tour starts at 10.00, from Monday to Friday. Contact us on WhatsApp, using our phone number, to receive a free PDF with useful information about Bucharest (where and what to eat, where to walk, what to visit etc.).

What will we visit on this tour?

In front of Saint Anton's Church and the Old Palace of Dracula (Palatul Voievodal Curtea Veche), in the Old Town of Bucharest. I will have a big visible logo saying `While in Bucharest Walking Tours`. Also, a big hat, the church behind me, and some ruins to my left side.

Some of the oldest streets in Bucharest, and the most iconic landmarks on them.

Old historical inn with an interesting story.

First beer serving restaurant in town.

One of the most beautiful banks in the old Town, and the amazing stories behind it.

• 5 Outside visit Stavropoleos Monastery Church
• 6 Outside visit Palace of the Deposits and Consignments
• 7 Outside visit Macca-Vilacrosse Passage
• 8 Outside visit Universitatea din București
• 9 Outside visit Muzeul Municipiului București
• 10 Outside visit Colțea Hospital
• 11 Outside visit Fântânile București
• 12 Outside visit Palace of Parliament
• 13 Outside visit Cărturești Carusel

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price , instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

Tour opinions (40)

Dana was an excellent guide and we had a superb time on the walking tour. She was very knowledgeable and made our tour very interesting

The tour was amaizing with a lot of interesting information . We learned so much. She was very helpful.

Fantastic tour, Dana does a great job to pack so much into 3 hours. She was very succinct and had such a broad knowledge across Romania ancient and modern history. I would highly recommend this tour. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it was fascinating.

Man merkt wirklich die Begeisterung an der Tour und der Geschichte Bukarests. Obwohl wir nur 3 Personen waren, fand die Tour statt (viele andere würden sie ausfallen lassen) und wir bekamen einen umfangreichen Einblick in die Geschichte Bukarests und das heutige Leben dort. Zusätzlich hab es zu allem passende Bilder und Karten, sodass man wunderbar folgen konnte. Besonders hilfreich war dabei ein Buch, dass die einzelnen Orte vor und nach dem Kommunismus gezeigt hat. Obwohl die Tour deutlich länger ging als angekündigt (fast 5 Stunden, wir haben aber auch immer gesagt, dass wir gerne weiter machen, weil es so interessant war), wurde es nie langweilig. Ich kann diese Tour nur empfehlen!

Who is this tour for?

What should you know, others cities to visit after bucharest, where are you traveling to.

• Bucharest tours
• Day trips from Bucharest
• Transylvania tours
• Romania tours
• Romania and Bulgaria tours
• Self-guided tours
• Virtual tours in Romania
• Tailor-made tours
• Corporate events & business travel
• DMC in Romania
• Reviews from our clients
• How do I pay?
• Romania Travel Blog

A free self guided walking tour in Bucharest perfect for you

• August 30, 2024

There are several free walking tours in Bucharest and many of them have excellent reviews. These are guided tours and that means that a person will be your guide and will show you the main attractions in the city. They are organized at a certain hour and the guide will greet you at the meeting point.

The only thing with these free guided tours in Bucharest is that they are not completely free. And that happens all over the world not just in Bucharest. All the main cities in the world offer free walking tours. Bucharest is just one of them.

Since a person offers his time and knowledge, he expects something in return. Yes, the tours are advertised as free, but the practice is that you pay something at the end. Sure, this is not mandatory. Many people just say bye and walk away. But if you prefer a guided tour and don’t want to pay too much for it, this is a great solution.

Do you prefer a tour with guide in Bucharest? Try these options:

Bucharest city tour one day long

Bucharest Ghost tour – Haunted places in Bucharest

Bucharest Walking Tour

Free self-guided tour in bucharest.

We developed a free self-guided walking tour in Bucharest. That means that you will not interact with a person, so nobody expects anything. The other main advantage of this tour is that you can do it whenever you want, in your own rhythm. You don’t have to start it at a certain hour and you can stop on the way for as long as you want.  Also, if you want to visit some of the attractions on the way, you can do this.

Details about the free walking tour in Bucharest

The tour starts at the Romanian Atheneum. You can get there by bus or by metro (the Romana station). The itinerary will show you the main attractions in the old town of Bucharest.

The route has around 2.5 kilometres. If you don’t stop at all it will take you around 1.5 hours. But once you reach a certain attraction it is recommended to go inside and visit it. If you have enough time, this is the best way to get to know Bucharest.

Read also: Best museums to visit in Bucharest

The tour ends at the University Square, close to the old town so you can remain there for a drink or for a meal.

An important detail is that this self-guided tour is made with the help of your phone. That is why you will need a charged phone with Internet access.

Here are the main details you should know before starting the tour:

Starting point: Romanian Atheneum

How to get there: subway to Romana station; buses, trolleys.

Route length: about 2.5 km

Route duration: 1.5 hours

Schedule: The tour can be done every day

You need: a mobile phone with internet access

How does it work?

Access the map and follow the walking indications. You will be guided by your phone. Go to the starting point once you are ready and access the map below.

How to book this Bucharest free tour?

There is no need to make a booking. When you want to discover Bucharest on your own, just go to the starting point and access the map below:

Make sure your phone is charged and you have an Internet connection. Then go and have fun!

What will you see during this Bucharest self-guided tour?

The tour includes some of the main attractions in the old town. During it, you will visit the most beautiful bookstore in Bucharest: Carturesti Carusel and a magic church hidden in the old town, Stavropoleos. You will see where is Umbrella passage and the Manuc inn. Old inns, amazing palaces and great stories of the Romanian capital will be revealed to you. Just be ready to enjoy them!

This free self-guided tour of Bucharest was created for all the tourists who want to explore Bucharest on their own in a free and fun way. It is strictly forbidden to copy it or to use it for commercial purposes.

And if you liked it, don’t forget that you can always extend your stay in Bucharest with some day trips or even a longer tour in Romania.

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Join our free walking tours in Bucharest and stroll through 500 years of history from Vlad the Impaler, aka Dracula, to the “golden era” of communism, the ’89 Revolution and today’s protests. Every day, rain or shine! Available in English and Spanish.

Join our free walking tours

The Story of Bucharest

Life in communist bucharest.

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Let us awaken your curiosity!

Walkabout Free Tours are the perfect choice if you want to make the most out of your stay in Bucharest ! We are the first free tour in town, with more than 10 years of experience in the guiding industry and an amazing passionate team of local guides.

We will show you all the must-see-sites and hidden gems of our wonderful and exciting city, while having fun in one of our free tours. 

We truly believe that in this way travellers will get a “feel” for the city and we will do our part in improving Bucharest’s image and promoting it s touristic potential.

Join our free walking tours in English or Spanish , as a starting point for your adventure in Bucharest.

Free walking tour

10:30 am – Friday & Saturday 18:00 pm – Monday, Thursday & Sunday

Travel back in time to the “Golden Age” of Romania to discover the rise and fall of the Communist Regime, stories of daily life, prisons and tortures and also what it meant…, Th

10:30 am – Daily 18:00 pm – Tuesday to Saturday

Stroll through more than 500 years of history from the times of Vlad the Impaler aka Dracula to the “golden era” of communism, the ’89 Revolution and today’s protests.

Tour gratis

Historia de bucarest.

Sábado a las 18:00hs  Reserva requerida

Pasea por más de 500 años de historia desde los tiempos de Vlad el Empalador, también conocido como Drácula, hasta la “era dorada”del comunismo, la Revolución del 89 y las protestas de hoy. 

Meet Our Team of Local Experts:

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TRAVENTURE SRL

CUI 4618251

J38/417/27.04.2022